Lawn Fertilization Basics For Your Home

There isn't a better image of emerging spring and full-blown summer than a front yard full of lush green grass. However, depending on what part of the country you live in, this may be easier dreamed than realized. As such, lawn fertilization is one of the primary facets and cornerstones of any yard maintenance service. Whether you are doing it yourself or paying a team of professionals to keep your yard fresh and green, this aspect of care is perhaps more important than any other. There are a few basics about fertilization that are good to learn and keep in mind when tackling your yard.

Fertilizer is primarily made from nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and spread liberally several times each year. Some lawn fertilization programs require three to five pounds of nitrogen per 1000 square feet of grass each year. Phosphorus and potassium are beneficial elements that help when grass clippings are removed during mowing.

Two types of lawn fertilization nitrogen are: quick-release and slow-release. When nitrogen is quickly available to the lawn, it allows rapid grass growth and promotes a dark green color within a relatively short period of time. This obviously differs from slow-release nitrogen that is favored when uniform grass growth is desired. Quick-release nitrogen is usually used in the autumn and during the early spring months. Slow-release nitrogen is used later on in the spring or during the summer. 

Fertilization for your lawn is also available as either a spray or dry powder. The benefits and drawbacks of each are negligible. As such, there is virtually no difference and treatment with either product will bring about similarly beneficial results. 

When looking for lawn fertilization services, it may be helpful to find a professional company to help consult on your yard care needs. A reliable and professional company will be able to answer any questions you may have and address any concerns that arise during the treatment process. They will also be able to educate you on your lawn care and provide insight and tips that you may not have considered. Not all yard companies are created equal though. Be sure to do your research or trust the recommendation of a family member, co-worker or neighbor. Or if you drive by a house with a lush, green lawn that you like, ring the doorbell and ask who takes care of it for them! Each part of the country is unique in the type of grass that grows in yards and how to treat it. Be sure to consult someone that is educated and experienced in your state or city. 

In addition to lawn fertilization, you may also want to treat your yard for pre-emergence and post-emergence problems such as crabgrass and weeds. Surface-feeding insects may need to be controlled and depending on your area and the extent of damage to your yard, disease control may also need to be addressed. Whatever your yard care needs, keep this information in mind when working to keep your grass fresh and green.